MCK to sign historic deal

06/26/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawá:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that it has entered into an historic financial agreement with Kruger Energy. The company is installing wind turbines in various South Shore communities, twelve of which will be located in St. Remi and St. Isidore – which fall within the Seigneury of Sault St Louis.

With the signing of this agreement, Kruger Energy is officially recognizing Kahnawà:ke’s continual interest in these lands. Despite not being required to enter into a deal with Kahnawà:ke in order to install these turbines, Kruger will nonetheless pay the community $20,000 annually for a period of twenty years, at which time the deal can be re-negotiated. This amount includes includes two (2) annual $1000 scholarships.

This is the first time the MCK will receive monetary contributions in relation to a business they are not owners of, but for the sole reason that the land falls within the Seigneury. The deal does not jeopardize any negotiations regarding any land claims, nor do the amounts count against the Seigneury land grievance. The deal is strictly between Kruger and the MCK, regarding the turbines only.

“The fact that a major Canadian corporation like Kruger Energy recognizes our continued interest in the Seigneury is very significant,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “While we appreciate that there is a financial and educational component to this agreement, the recognition is far more important to Kahnawà:ke. We’d like to thank the people at Kruger for their progressive thinking.”

The agreement was passed by Chief & Council with the exception of Carl Horn, who objected.